By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act that would extend legal protections from abortion for unborn children capable of feeling pain…..beginning at a fetal age of 20 weeks.
Congressmen Spencer Bachus (R) from Vestavia and Robert Aderholt (R) from Haleyville both today joined a majority of House Members of the U.S. House in voting for legislation to defend the lives of unborn children. The controversial pro-Life legislation passed by a vote of 228-196.
Rep. Aderholt said, “Protecting unborn life is a universal issue that has become one of the most unifying causes over the past several decades. This legislation today would prohibit late abortions of unborn children after twenty weeks, as children at this stage of development can feel pain.”
Rep. Bachus said, “There is no higher duty than to protect the lives of the innocent and defenseless. Unborn children are members of our human family and should never be subjected to the appalling pain and cruelty that was exposed most recently during the trial of Dr. Kermit Gosnell in Philadelphia. It is imperative that we have a culture which respects and nurtures life and this legislation is in keeping with that moral principle.”
Congressman Aderholt said, “Every year over 15,000 babies who are just days or weeks away from having a good chance of surviving on their own and can feel pain are legally aborted under current law. When the Titanic sank, 1,523 people died. The number of babies that are killed at this point in their growth where they can feel pain each and every year because of late abortions is equivalent to 10 Titanic’s sinking. This is not something we can ignore.” “Further, in light of the recent conviction of abortionist Kermit Gosnell and reports of other potentially similar gruesome late abortion providers around the country, this prohibition is more important than ever. It is also important to note that this bill prioritizes the health of mothers, providing an exception to this law in cases where a mother’s life is at risk.”
The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act now goes to the Democratic controlled U.S. Senate where it faces an uncertain future.
Congressman Robert Aderholt represents Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District. Congressman Spencer Bachus represents Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District.
